Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 31: To ask the Minister for Defence if the problems associated with the supply of fuel to members of the Defence Forces in Chad have been resolved; the steps he has taken to ensure that said problems will not arise again; if the problems are not resolved, the timeline by which he expects them to be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25229/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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On 15 March 2009, MINURCAT, the United Nations-led mission in Chad and the Central African Republic assumed operational control of the United Nations force of 2,085 personnel, including 1,877 troops re-hatted from eight EUFOR contributors. In the weeks following the takeover of the force by MINURCAT, the mission faced a number of challenges, including fuel shortages in Chad. The fuel problems encountered by MINURCAT were common to all of Chad, as there was a countrywide fuel crisis at the time. The fuel situation was exacerbated by the rebel incursion into Chad in early May 2009. The UN was fully exercised on the issue and all possible sources of fuel for MINURCAT contingents were investigated by the UN to meet the mission's needs. This included the airlifting of fuel from a neighbouring UN mission.

Significant progress has been made by the United Nations in the past month and I am pleased to inform the House that the fuel situation as it applies to the Irish infantry battalion in Goz Beida has essentially been resolved. Sufficient stocks are now in place in Camp Ciara to provide for the unit's needs in the future. In addition, extra fuel is stored in the new UN fuel farm adjacent to the Irish camp. The UN also have a facility to fly in quantities of fuel at any stage. The Defence Forces continue to monitor the fuel supply situation and are maintaining close liaison with the UN authorities on the ground. For now, I am satisfied that the necessary measures have been taken by the UN to address the fuel issue.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the reply. Due to the logistical problems with the transfer of responsibility from the EUFOR mission to the UN the Irish mission was left cruelly exposed. It certainly was unable to carry out the duties for which it was sent to Chad and could not patrol to the same extent. Will the Minister confirm that the Irish mission is able to carry out the required number of patrols and that it is not inhibited or restricted from doing so because of the fuel problem? Will the Minister also confirm that he is satisfied this problem will not recur during the term of this mission?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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It is, perhaps, overstating the case to say the troops were left cruelly exposed. Obviously, in a situation where the UN is taking over a EUFOR mission, there will be teething problems. There was a shortage of fuel which affected the entire country as well as the Irish mission. As a result there was some rationing of fuel in the Irish camp. It meant, for example, that routine patrols were restricted. That does not mean all routine patrolling stopped, just that it was restricted. However, the troops were always available for emergency work, such as medical evacuation and so forth. The reason they had to conserve fuel was that they had to concentrate it on the life support systems in the camp, for example, cooking, heating, lighting and so forth.

The problem has now, by and large, been resolved. The new contract with the United Nations should guarantee fuel for the duration of the mission. In addition to the United Nations contract, there is also a UN fuel farm adjacent to the Irish camp which can supply fuel. The UN retains the capacity to fly in fuel at any time. I cannot absolutely predict what will happen in the future but the advice I have received from the military authorities in the Department is that the situation is resolved for the foreseeable future.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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As this is the last Question Time with the Minister before the summer recess, will he confirm that consideration is being given to the extension of the Irish mission in Chad? Given that the logistics are in place, there is a strong case to be made for that. There is also the fact that the Irish mission is performing efficiently and effectively in Chad and I understand it is the wish of the local population that the Irish troops remain for as long as possible. Finally, I hope the fuel issue never arises again. It is essential for any mission that an adequate fuel supply is in place in preparation for such a mission.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I agree with the Deputy that the troops are performing outstandingly in Chad. I appreciate his remarks in that regard, which I will communicate to them. I also agree that there is a wish locally in Chad that the Irish troops be left in place. I am giving careful consideration to an extension of the mission. I do not envisage the mission continuing as long as the mission in Lebanon did, for example, but I am giving serious consideration to an extension.